Father's Day Gift Guide: Games and Gadgets

The second installment of our 2009 Father's Day Gift Guide is all about games and gadgets that will satisfy Dad's tech cravings. We've compiled a short list of the best gifts out there to keep the modern man entertained.

We've selected some high-tech audio and visual solutions, a classic game set and some items that will liven up a father's office. After all, what man doesn't like a shiny new gizmo to play around with?

Be sure to check back soon for our next installment. Also, don't miss our picks for men's apparel and grooming gifts!

MyShoppingConnection Father's Day Gift Guide: Games and Gadgets

Pelican i1010 and i1030 iPod Cases - $25.28 and $33.75

Keep Dad's iPod safe from damage with this ultra-rugged case from Pelican. Pelican offers a hard shell case for your iPod that is water resistant, dust proof and crush proof - certain to stand up to even the most rough and tumble usage. The case secures with a latch, has an external headphone jack and features a sport strap. Best yet, Pelican supports the quality of this case with a lifetime guarantee.

The Master Games Compendium from Jaques - $169

If Dad enjoys the classics, Jaques' handmade Master Games Compendium is sure to please. This gorgeous Mahogany framed set includes Boxwood Chessmen, Dominoes, Cribbage, Poker Dice, Draughts/Checkers, a Jaques original game called Snap, two packs of Bridge and Poker playing cards, plus complete game rules and instructions. The Compendium would be a beautiful addition to Dad's office or library.

Chill Pill Mobile Speakers - $49.99

Searching for a gadget gift that's quite useful and has a certain "wow" factor? Look no further than the Chill Pill Mobile Speakers. The Chill Pill is a set of two compact yet powerful speakers. The "capsule" (image on left) measures about 2" in diameter and 4" tall. With a slight twist, the capsule separates into two mini speakers (middle image). An internal USB connection and retractable 3.5mm cord connects the Chill Pill Mobile Speakers (image on right) to the device of your choice - iPod, computer, etc. These speakers are simply an awesome choice for the guy who needs a simple (no tech skills required) and compact way to enjoy music and audio content in any setting. Be warned: you might like the Chill Pill so much, you'll just have to buy your own!

Vue Personal Video Network - $299.99 (Pre-order now for early summer shipping)

The Vue Personal Video Network is not like any webcam or IP camera on the market; this unique wire-free video system uses miniature cameras and innovative FrameMesh wireless networking technology that allows for remote live viewing. Dad can use the Vue anytime, anyplace. If he travels a lot, he can easily have a video visit with family and friends. The network includes two wireless cameras, two CR123 photo batteries, a wireless gateway that plugs into your router or cable/DSL modem, one 3-foot Ethernet cable, an AC power adapter and four peel and stick magnetic mounts (allowing for easy repositioning).

COOL-ER eBook Reader - $249

Move over, Kindle. There's a new eBook reader in town. The COOL-ER really is cooler, and here's why: it weighs a mere 6.3 ounces and is only 8.6mm thick - plus it comes in 8 awesome colors. Furthermore, COOL-ER works in any country, on both Macs and PCs, accommodates eight languages... and one battery charge lasts for more than 8,000 page turns. COOL-ER works smoothly with any JPEG, PDF or TXT document, as well as any EPUB formatted eBook. Dad can buy books from the companion site, COOLERBOOKS.com, which offers more than 750,000 titles from which to choose. The versatility, format and size of the COOL-ER makes it an excellent choice for any Dad who loves to read.

Star Wars MIMOBOT Designer USB Flash Drives - $19.95

Why buy a boring USB flash drive when you could get Dad's favorite Star Wars character? MIMOBOT specializes in designer flash drives, and the Star Wars collection is perfect for any fan. Choose from C-3PO, Wicket, Darth Sidious, a Royal Guard, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett - or hang tight and see what other characters (Darth Maul is among them) are being released with Series 4 in the next few weeks. MIMOBOT drives are available in 1GB to 8GB capacities.

Canson Papershow Starter Kit - $199.99

Make Dad's life at the office a little more entertaining with Papershow, a new presentation kit and digital whiteboard. Papershow is a neat tool that incorporates the use of interactive paper, a USB key and a Bluetooth pen. Anything Dad jots down on the paper appears in real time, allowing his notes to be displayed on a computer or projected on an overhead screen. Additionally, annotated documents can then be saved as a PDF for emailing or printing. The plug-and-play starter kit has everything Dad needs to get going. Please note that Papershow is only compatible with PCs running Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher and Vista.